MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Can a Dead Body Still Get a Suntan?

So, you're dead. Do you still need sunscreen?

Just because Garfield devours it doesn't mean this kitty should.

Can Cats Actually Eat Lasagna?

Garfield isn’t exactly the best litmus test when it comes to determining whether or not lasagna is safe for cats to eat.

Memorial Day at Los Angeles National Cemetery.

Why Memorial Day Is Always on a Monday

About a century after Americans started celebrating Memorial Day, Congress shifted the holiday to a Monday—here’s why.

Why Are My Shoes Squeaky?

Squeaky shoes can happen for a number of reasons, including friction and moisture. But whether they fart or squeak, here are a few things you can do about that noisy footwear.

Space has a starting point, but where it begins is still a topic of debate for experts.

Where Does Space Begin?

Some experts believe the Kármán Line is the deciding factor, but others aren't in agreement about where the frontier of space really begins.

What Are the National Animals of the United States?

The bison and bald eagle have been chosen to represent the U.S. Here's why.

Ice Cream vs. Frozen Dairy Dessert: What’s the Difference?

There's an ice cream impostor lurking in grocery stores. Here's why it matters.

Why Is My Pickle Limp?

A mushy pickle isn’t always a sign the food has gone bad. Here’s how to tell if your pickles are no longer safe to eat.

Why Do We Call Things “Hot Button” Issues?

The phrase dates back to the 1960s, and has more than one meaning.

Chipmunks vs. Squirrels: What’s the Difference?

Here's some helpful information about where chipmunks and squirrels live, what they eat, what sounds they make, and how to tell them apart visually.

'IJBOL' (for 'I just burst out laughing') is an acronym. 'LMAO' is an initialism.

Acronym vs. Initialism: What’s the Difference?

Here's everything you need to know about the difference between acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms.

Why Do Babies in Medieval Paintings Look So Scary?

If you’ve ever found yourself chuckling at the angry man-heads on human babies in medieval art, the joke is actually on you.

Patient portals unfortunately aren't yet of the teleportal variety.

Why Does ‘Stat’ Mean “Immediately”?

Here’s everything you ever wondered about ‘stat’: its meaning, its origins, and whether ER doctors really shout it all the time.

It’s not one you’re likely to use in everyday conversation—but you will find it in an dictionary.

What’s the Longest Word in English?

Spoiler alert: Despite what you might have heard, it’s not ‘antidisestablishmentarianism.’

A spoonful of sugar would definitely taste a lot better.

Here’s Why So Many Medicines Are Cherry-Flavored

There's a reason that cough syrup you're trying to choke down tastes like cherry.

We can thank Shakespeare for popularizing it, sort of.

Why Do We Say ‘In a Pickle’?

Contrary to popular belief, Shakespeare wasn’t the one who invented this common idiom. But trying to unravel its origins will land you in a bit of a tricky situation.

Why ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ Became the Soundtrack of American Graduations

“Pomp and Circumstance,” also popularly known as “The Graduation March,” is typically used during graduation processionals. Here’s why.

Why Do So Many Maple Syrup Bottles Have a Tiny Little Handle?

The reason maple syrup bottles have little handles involves the word 'skeuomorph.'

Why Is the Unicorn Scotland’s National Animal?

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The reason isn’t because Scotland is a nation of unicorn lovers; rather, it’s thanks to the country’s bygone kings.

What Does ‘Wi-Fi’ Stand For? It’s Complicated

If you think 'Wi-Fi' stands for 'wireless fidelity,' you should read this.

We don’t know a lot about where the phrase came from.

What Does the Phrase ‘Keep It Under Your Hat’ Mean?

The phrase has evolved somewhat since its first uses—and its origin is something of a mystery.

What’s the Story Behind Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is recognized around the country as a time to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage. Like a lot of days earmarked to commemorate a specific idea or event, its origins can be a little murky. Who started it, and why?

A pixelated version of an illustration by Édouard-Henri Avril from the 1824 book ‘De figuris Veneris.’

The Research Error That Gave Us the Phrase ‘Missionary Position’

The origins of the phrase 'missionary position' involve Alfred Kinsey, some shoddy research, and zero actual missionaries.

Have a pet? Prepare to pony up some serious cash.

The Many Reasons Why Your Vet Bills Are Rising

Owning a cat or dog can cost a lot of money. And inflation isn't the only reason vet bills have gotten so expensive.

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